It was a complete performance today, and with a bit of good fortune courtesy of (of all people) Mike Dean, it was rewarded with a deserved win over the noisome neighbors. Every Arsenal player was switched on all game. I don't think Spurs will have a legitimate complaint about the result. They had their moments but they didn't fashion enough chances and they were just that little bit behind us. Harry Kane should probably not have started; he did not look 100%. But they had Lloriente and Son on the bench and Pochettino knows his job.
The first ten or so minutes were back and forth, very well played. Both teams wanted to press and win the ball in the opposition half, and were looking to spring counterattacks after getting the ball in their own half. And both sides were well aware of the danger and made sure to get numbers back when they had to. As the half proceeded, Arsenal looked the more dangerous team and put Tottenham under pressure repeatedly. The breakthrough, though, was controversial. A fine ball upfield found Alexis, who headed it across Sanchez but couldn't get past him. Was it a clean tackle to save a breakaway, or did he get to it first because he used his arms to impede Alexis? I know I'd have felt it was good defense had Monreal made that play, but the referee saw it as a foul, and the decision was close. Also close was the offside call that should have been made on Mustafi as he surged forward to meet Ozil's free kick and head it magnificently off the indie of the far post past a rooted Lloris. Five minutes later, Lacazette made a perfectly timed run, received the pass, and fizzed it across to Alexis, who'd made an angled run towards the near post. He controlled the pass with his thigh, and fro close range slammed it into the roof of the net over Lloris, who had little chance other than to hope Alexis would shoot right at him:
http://arsenalist.com/f/2017-18/arsenal-vs-tottenham/goaaaal-alexis-sanchez-2-0.html
The second half was similarly intense, but I never got the feeling that Spurs were going to come back into it. Both sides had their chances, but it was the Gunners who looked likelier to score. Lacazette came off for Coquelin, which was the right move. The fans were unhappy, but I wonder if Lacazette has 90 hard minutes in him. I appreciated his tracking back on defense, but he was largely anonymous for most of the second half.
Tactically, I think Pochettino got it wrong. He figured on outplaying us in midfield, but our wingbacks pinched in when necessary and the space wasn't there. Spurs for some reason did not use width often enough to worry us.
My thoughts on the players: I can't believe anyone can have the energy Aaron Ramsey does. He gets back on defense, he bombs upfield on attack. He's one of those guys you hate to play against. He didn't get on the scoresheet today, but he kept Tottenham off balance all game. Xhaka worried me when he picked up a yellow after 30 minutes, but he somehow managed not to get another one. He was good today.
Our front three combined well and looked dangerous constantly. I was not terribly impressed with Ozil's defensive commitment, but he did try today and it made a difference. Alexis uncorked some fantastic passes, and his goal was superb. He did give the ball away a lot, but let's forgive him. Lacazette was a problem for Tottenham with his runs, and I thought he did great today.
Bellerin left it all out there today. Wow. He was totally spent at the end. It still bugs me that his crosses are poor, but I give him high marks. Kolasinac was disciplined and seems to be almost back from whatever injury has been slowing him down. He benefited from Monreal playing behind him, who was as usual fantastic. Kos was also great, again as usual. Mustafi was the central CB and he was for my money, considering the goal, our player of the game. Cech made two difficult saves off headers but otherwise had little to do--let's call him perfect today.
Great day, eh? I think we're clicking lately and there's no reason we can't climb further up the table.
No comments:
Post a Comment